As they made their way toward the royal palace, Durandal and Rita occasionally surveyed their surroundings.
It was clear that Jiowral possessed considerable national strength. At least on the surface, everything had been made to look perfect, with no apparent weaknesses.
The soldiers here wore steel armor weighing dozens or even hundreds of pounds, yet could still wield their blades freely. Naturally, they were no ordinary people, but superhumans capable of using battle aura.
No wonder no other force had been able to overthrow the Empire, even after being oppressed to the limit.
Durandal and Rita now roughly understood the situation in this world, especially after obtaining a map of the continent from someone at the inn earlier.
Jiowral had originally been nothing more than a kingdom, located at the southernmost edge of human-controlled territory. Beyond it lay the domain ruled by the Demon King and the demon race.
To humanity, the original Jiowral had merely been a bulwark against demon invasions.
For that reason, it had received support from nations across the world in food, money, engineering technology, magic technology, talent, and every other aspect, causing its national strength to grow continuously.
Later, it summoned Heroes from another world, constantly winning them over and using their power. While driving the demon race into the harsh, barren borders of the desert, it also waged war against the other human kingdoms.
By now, Jiowral was the only nominal ruler left on the western continent.
As for the demon race, humans were poorly suited to living in their territory, so there had been no further expansion... because the cost was not worth it.
To the north lay an endless sea and scattered islands. To the south was a wasteland, filled with dangerous forbidden regions, though opportunities also accompanied the dangers.
Still, although